Master of Science in Environmental Studies
Required Seminars:
EnvS 250 U.S. Environmental Thought, provides historical background by studying the evolution of American conservation and environmental thought. It accomplishes this by taking an intensive critical analysis of the original works of historically significant authors such as Marsh, Muir, Olmstead, Leopold, and many, many others. Students are encouraged to study the individuals and policies that are relevant to their thesis topic.
EnvS 200, Environmental Methods, introduces the methods used by social, physical, and natural scientists in conducting primary research on natural resources and quality of environment. Techniques discussed include field methods, maps, data analysis, social surveys, and project evaluation. In this seminar, students also have an opportunity to expand upon the methods section of their thesis proposal.
EnvS 297, Research and Proposal Development, walks the student through the thesis proposal stage for their program. At the end of the course, students should have a draft thesis proposal that can be circulated amongst potential committee members for their comments and suggestions. The course also helps students learn how to write grant proposals for the funding of their thesis.
At the completion of the three required seminars, students should have their thesis proposal signed off by their three committee members and the Department Graduate Coordinator. The original signed proposal is then placed in the student's file in the Department's Graduate office (WSQ 115C), and the student applies to the graduate office for advancement to candidacy for the MS degree. Student should consult Graduate Studies for deadlines pertinent to their graduation (http://www.sjsu.edu/gradstudies/). Some students will advance to candidacy after their first year in the program; the department requires that all students advance within two years of obtaining "classified" standing.
